Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains one affiliate link, to RAVPower. If you buy through it, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we write: the wireless charging facts come from Apple and the Wireless Power Consortium. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
How this guide was written: It was researched with AI assistance from the official pages listed under Sources, and every point was checked against those pages on September 29, 2026. We did not test any charger. The wattage figures are Apple’s for its MagSafe Charger; Apple does not publish a per-model table for third-party Qi2 chargers. See how we research.
Short answer: MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic wireless charging system for iPhone 12 and later. Qi2 is an industry standard from the Wireless Power Consortium that also uses magnets to align the phone. Apple recommends either a MagSafe Charger or a Qi2-certified charger for faster wireless charging; Qi2 chargers are certified at 15W or 25W.
Key takeaways
- Both use magnets to line up the phone, which the Wireless Power Consortium says improves efficiency and charging speed.
- Your iPhone sets the speed ceiling. Apple lists up to 25W for its MagSafe Charger on some models, and lower figures on others.
- Look for the Qi2 logo. The Wireless Power Consortium says only certified products can display it.
- The adapter matters. For the top MagSafe speed Apple calls for a 30W or greater power adapter.
What MagSafe is
MagSafe is Apple’s own name for magnetic charging on iPhone. Apple’s MagSafe Charger page says the charger can deliver up to 25W of peak power, that the actual power depends on the iPhone model, the power adapter and system conditions, and that the charger is designed for iPhone 12 models and later. It works with older phones too, but Apple says power and charge times differ when it charges a non-MagSafe, Qi-compatible iPhone such as the iPhone 16e, iPhone 11 or iPhone X.
What Qi2 is
Qi2 comes from the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the group behind the original Qi wireless charging standard. The WPC says Qi2 devices use magnetic attachment to align the phone and charger for better efficiency, faster charging and easier use. It lists two levels: Qi2 at 15W, and Qi2 25W, which it says offers nearly 70% more charging power and can charge a smartphone battery from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. The WPC also says only Qi Certified products can display the Qi or Qi2 logo.
The two are closely related. The WPC’s product database lists Apple’s MagSafe Charger (part number A2580) as a Qi-certified transmitter that uses the Magnetic Power Profile, the same name the WPC gives to the magnetic technology behind Qi2.
Speed: what Apple says MagSafe delivers
| iPhone | MagSafe Charger, per Apple |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max | Up to 25W with a 30W or greater adapter |
| iPhone 16 and 16 Pro | 22.5W peak |
| iPhone Air | 20W peak |
| iPhone 17e and iPhone 15 and earlier | Up to 15W with a 20W or greater adapter |
| iPhone 13 mini and 12 mini | Up to 12W |
Apple’s page does not give a similar per-model table for third-party Qi2 chargers. For those, check the charger’s certified wattage (Qi2 at 15W or Qi2 25W) against what your iPhone supports. As an example of Qi2 support, Apple’s March 2026 announcement says the iPhone 17e supports MagSafe and Qi2 for wireless charging up to 15W, compared with 7.5W Qi charging on the iPhone 16e.
What you need to reach top speed
- A strong enough adapter. Apple says 25W MagSafe charging needs a 30W or greater adapter (15V at 2.0A or higher). For the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple says to use a MagSafe Charger with a 35W or higher adapter to reach 50% in around 30 minutes.
- Power on before the phone goes on. Apple says to plug the charger into power first. If you place the iPhone first, lift it off, wait three seconds and put it back.
- No cables in the phone. Apple says that if you connect USB-C or Lightning accessories, such as headphones, while charging wirelessly, the system limits charging speed. Its MagSafe page lists the limits by model, from 7.5W to 16W.
- A certified charger. Apple says a wireless charger that provides less than 10W, such as a Qi1-certified one, may make charging take longer than you expect.
How to choose between them
- Decide the ceiling from your iPhone model using the table above.
- For faster wireless charging, Apple points to a MagSafe Charger or a Qi2-certified wireless charger, so pick one of those over an older Qi1 pad.
- If you buy a third-party charger, look for the Qi2 logo and the certified wattage on the box or product page.
- Buy an adapter that meets the wattage Apple lists for your model, or the charger will not reach its top speed.
If you are shopping for a magnetic charger
RAVPower’s official store lists a magnetic wireless power bank with a foldable kickstand alongside its regular power banks. We could not confirm from its page whether it is Qi2-certified, so look for the Qi2 logo and the certified wattage before you buy, and remember that we have not tested it. If you want to look at RAVPower’s range, see its power banks on the official store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qi2 the same as MagSafe?
No, but they are closely related. MagSafe is Apple’s system, and Qi2 is the Wireless Power Consortium’s standard. Both use magnets to align the phone, and the WPC lists Apple’s MagSafe Charger as certified using the Magnetic Power Profile that Qi2 is built on.
Will a Qi2 charger work with my iPhone?
Apple names a Qi2-certified wireless charger as a way to charge faster wirelessly, and says the iPhone 17e supports Qi2. For other models, check your iPhone’s specifications on Apple’s site, because Apple’s charging pages do not list Qi2 compatibility model by model.
Do I need a 25W charger?
Only if your iPhone can use it. Apple’s table above shows 25W for some models, 22.5W or 20W for others, and 15W or less for older ones. A faster charger cannot push more power than the phone accepts.
What does the Qi2 logo mean?
The WPC says only Qi Certified products can display the Qi or Qi2 logo, and calls it a reassurance of safety and interoperability.
Does Qi2 only work with iPhones?
The WPC describes Qi2 as a standard for mobile devices and smartphones and does not name a brand. Check your phone maker’s specifications for Qi2 support, because we did not verify individual Android models.
Sources
All pages were checked on September 29, 2026.
- Apple Support: How to use your MagSafe Charger with iPhone
- Apple Support: About iPhone charge speeds (published March 16, 2026)
- Apple Support: Fast charge your iPhone
- Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces iPhone 17e (March 2026)
- Wireless Power Consortium: Qi wireless charging
- Wireless Power Consortium: product record QI-14294, Apple MagSafe Charger
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Sources and last update
This article is written from official and primary sources, such as government agencies, standards bodies and manufacturer documentation, and is checked against them when it is updated. It is based on research, not hands-on testing. See how we research and our editorial policy.
Last updated: October 3, 2026